Isaiah 20:3

Authorized King James Version

And the LORD said, Like as my servant Isaiah hath walked naked and barefoot three years for a sign and wonder upon Egypt and upon Ethiopia;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר
said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
יְהוָ֔ה
And the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#3
כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
הָלַ֛ךְ
hath walked
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#5
עַבְדִּ֥י
Like as my servant
a servant
#6
יְשַׁעְיָ֖הוּ
Isaiah
jeshajah, the name of seven israelites
#7
עָר֣וֹם
naked
nude, either partially or totally
#8
וְיָחֵ֑ף
and barefoot
unsandalled
#9
שָׁלֹ֤שׁ
three
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
#10
שָׁנִים֙
years
a year (as a revolution of time)
#11
א֣וֹת
for a sign
a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc
#12
וּמוֹפֵ֔ת
and wonder
a miracle; by implication, a token or omen
#13
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
מִצְרַ֖יִם
upon Egypt
mitsrajim, i.e., upper and lower egypt
#15
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#16
כּֽוּשׁ׃
and upon Ethiopia
cush (or ethiopia), the name of an israelite

Analysis

Within the broader context of Isaiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Isaiah.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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